Wildlife collisions spark FoBNR clampdown on speedsters
The tar road has become a growing concern for FoBNR, who say reckless driving is placing both animals and motorists at risk.
The Friends of Bisley Nature Reserve (FoBNR) is stepping up efforts to curb speeding along Bisley Road after several giraffe collisions and repeated incidents of motorists hooting at and harassing wildlife.
The tar road, which cuts through the reserve from Gladys Manzi Road, has become a growing concern for FoBNR, who say reckless driving is placing both animals and motorists at risk.
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FoBNR committee member and animal safety portfolio holder Ron Hulley, who spearheaded the campaign for additional road signage, said three giraffes had been involved in vehicle collisions over the past few months.
“All three incidents were due to speeding,” said Hulley.
One collision occurred during the day, leaving a vehicle with a smashed windscreen and significant body damage after the giraffe landed on it.
Two nighttime crashes caused extensive damage, with one vehicle believed to have been written off after its windscreen, bonnet and roof were crushed.
Fortunately, all three giraffes appeared to walk off without sustaining serious injury.
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One giraffe, Hulley said, was monitored after it was seen limping, but veterinarian Dr Ryan van Deventer had given the all clear.
Hulley said speeding was not the only problem.
“It is becoming a common occurrence regarding hooting,” he said, adding that motorists have also been driving dangerously close to wildlife, including a herd of zebra with a foal.
To encourage safer driving, eight new wildlife warning and speed limit signs are in the process of being installed throughout the reserve.
At the two entrances, large “Please don’t kill us” message boards will soon be erected.
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“If an accident occurs with any animals, drivers speeding have no claim,” Hulley warned.
FoBNR chairperson Peter West said the new signage is intended to remind motorists they are travelling through a protected wildlife area.
“There’s that old saying, ‘familiarity breeds contempt’. I think we are all guilty of this at some stage. A new speed limit sign goes up, and you notice it immediately, but after driving past it daily, you don’t even see it after a few days,” West said.
“And then you’re a bit late for an appointment, or your mind is elsewhere, and you forget that you are driving in an area where the speed limit is below the normal city limit of 60kph.”
Our strategy is to place the limit signs at pertinent positions inside the reserve and back these up with two large message boards.
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He added that cameras monitored around the clock by Remington Risk Management already record incidents within the reserve.
The system is also being upgraded with artificial intelligence and number plate recognition technology, which could strengthen enforcement against speeding, illegal dumping, poaching and other offences.
West said FoBNR is also extending roadside fencing to prevent animals from bypassing cattle grids and plans to ask the municipality to paint zebra crossings where two hiking trails intersect with the road.
West extended his gratitude and appreciation to the sponsors who have sponsored polls and donations towards the placement of the signs.
The sponsors are supporting the road safety initiative include Chris Gilbert (Rural Metro Emergency Management), Brett Hancock (Wayne Scrap Metal), Yugan Govender (GSM Roofing) and Nathan Bruwer (Fatboy and Co.).
